Kinerase News

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 6, 2017 – Many skin moisturizers that claim to be fragrance-free or hypoallergenic are not, and may aggravate skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema, a new study says. Northwestern University researchers examined the top 100 best-selling, whole-body moisturizers sold at Amazon, Target and Walmart for affordability and content. They found that 83 percent of so-called hypoallergenic products had a potentially allergenic chemical. The researchers also discovered that 45 percent of products marketed as fragrance-free contained a botanical ingredient or one that reacts to a fragrance that can cause a skin rash or skin allergy. In addition, moisturizers with "dermatologist-recommended" labels cost an average of 20 cents more per ounce than those that did not have the label. "We looked into what it means to be dermatologist-recommended, and it doesn't mean much because ... Read more

-- Heat rash describes the bumpy, itchy skin that develops during hot and humid weather. To tame the problem, the American Academy of Family Physicians advises: Stay indoors when the weather is hot and humid. Run air conditioning or fans to help you stay cool. Apply a cool compress to the rash. Keep affected skin dry. Wear loosely-fitting clothing to avoid additional irritation. Read more

-- Jobs including manufacturing, food preparation and construction may expose your skin to harsh, irritating chemicals. The American Academy of Family Physicians says here's how you can protect yourself: Make sure your work area is clean, and chemicals appropriately labeled and stored. Dispose of all waste in appropriate containers. Have eye wash stations and safety showers available, and always wear protective goggles, gloves and aprons. Before you leave work, change out of any clothing soiled with chemicals. Wash your hands with soap and water, and apply lotion or cream after washing. If you work outdoors, use sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat with a wide brim and clothing that covers your body. Follow the safety procedures for your workplace, including what to do if your skin comes in contact with harmful chemicals. Don't smoke, drink or eat in your work area. Read more

MONDAY, June 26, 2017 – When you purchase a new eye shadow or shampoo, you expect those products will be safe and that they won't cause skin breakouts – or worse. But new research found that's not always the case. And, because cosmetics are woefully underregulated in the United States, and there's no solid system in place to catch when personal care products are harmful, it's possible you'll never hear about a problem with a product, the study suggested. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration complaints database contains only 5,144 adverse events between 2004 and 2016 reported in connection with cosmetics, noted the study's senior author Dr. Steve Xu. He's a dermatologist with Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. "Here is a $400 billion industry with millions of products and multiple controversies, but we only had about 5,000 adverse events over the course of ... Read more

FRIDAY, March 3, 2017 – Maybe it's a new soap or the dry, cold weather that has turned your hands red and itchy. "There are many reasons for hand rashes," said Dr. Melissa Piliang, a board-certified dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. And the source of the problem isn't always obvious, she and other skin doctors say. An allergy to a new soap or something else you've touched can bring on a hand rash, but it could also reflect something going on inside your body, Piliang said in a news release from the American Academy of Dermatology. "The most common cause is eczema," Piliang said. Eczema is the term for different conditions that cause skin inflammation and irritation. "But some hand rashes may have an allergic cause. Sometimes, an allergy can develop after years of touching the same things daily without a problem, like your wedding ring, skin care products or foods such as ... Read more

-- Parents should pay attention to any chemicals that are included in a child's personal care products, such as lotion or body wash. The Environmental Working Group suggests that parents: Always read ingredient labels, and don't blindly trust marketing claims. Choose products that don't contain fragrance. Avoid use of baby powder. Avoid products that contain the chemicals: 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3 Diol; BHAl; sodium borate; DMDM Hydantoin; oxybenzone; triclosan. Read more

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 18, 2017 – Many men don't think about skin care but they should, a dermatologist says. The first step is to understand your skin type, according to Dr. Anthony Rossi. Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use. Normal skin is clear and not sensitive. Dry skin is flaky, itchy or rough. Oily skin is shiny and greasy, and combination skin is dry in some places and oily in others, Rossi explained. "Understanding your skin type will help you learn how to take care of your skin and select skin care products that are right for you," Rossi said in an American Academy of Dermatology news release. Rossi is assistant professor of dermatology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, both in New York City If you're prone to acne, choose cleansers and moisturizers that are "oil-free" or "noncomedogenic," which means they won't clog your ... Read more

THURSDAY, Jan. 12, 2017 – Poor circulation and nerve damage leave people with diabetes at increased risk for potentially serious foot problems, especially during the cold weather, a foot and ankle specialist warns. "When it comes to your feet, rain, snow and slushy weather have something in common: they cause dampness. Moisture that collects between your socks and your feet and toes can form bacteria, which can lead to an infection," said Dr. Michael Ambroziak, a Michigan-based foot and ankle surgeon. "Patients with diabetes should change out of wet or damp socks, and towel dry their feet as soon as possible, remembering to pay close attention to the area between their toes," he advised in a news release from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. People with diabetes also need to moisturize their feet daily to prevent their skin from itching or cracking. But avoid areas ... Read more

SUNDAY, Jan. 8, 2017 – Many skin care products promise to improve appearance by exfoliating – or removing dead cells – from the skin's outer layer. But sometimes, exfoliating can do more harm than good, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). "For some people, exfoliation can actually make their skin worse with increased redness or acne breakouts," said Dr. Rebecca Tung, associate professor of dermatology at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. "If you choose to exfoliate, it's important to do so safely so that it does not damage your skin." Before exfoliating, consider your skin type, Tung advised in an AAD news release. Sensitive skin often burns or stings after use of skin care products. Normal skin is clear and not sensitive. Dry skin is flaky, itchy or rough. Oily skin is shiny and greasy. Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others. ... Read more

-- Hot weather, swimming and more time spent outside can lead to dry skin. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests how to combat the problem: Take a shower and shampoo your hair as soon as you get out of the pool. Use sunscreen before heading outdoors. Choose one that's water-resistant, broad spectrum and has an SPF of at least 30. Avoid body washes that are deodorant or antibacterial. Keep your bath or shower water warm, not hot. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer all over as soon as you get out of the shower or bath. Crank down your thermostat a few degrees if your home feels too dry. Read more

WEDNESDAY, June 29, 2016 – Although some doctors advise against giving a daily bath to kids with the skin condition eczema, a new paper says a daily soak is fine as long as it's followed by plenty of moisturizer. Eczema occurs in adults and children, but is most common in babies. It results in extremely dry, itchy skin, and sometimes inflamed rashes. Some medical professionals believe infrequent bathing (less than once a day) helps prevent skin irritation. However, others contend that bathing at least once a day helps keep skin hydrated, as long as baths are followed by immediate use of a moisturizer to seal in moisture. This process was dubbed "soak and smear" in the paper written by Dr. Ivan Cardona, an allergy and immunology specialist from Portland, Maine, and colleagues. "A number of medical groups have commented on the general role of bathing in eczema. But they don't all agree ... Read more

-- Itchy skin may be a warning sign of diabetes. Scratch too much, and you could trigger an infection. The American Diabetes Association suggests how to manage itchy skin: Talk to your doctor about the causes of your itchy skin. Common causes include a yeast infection, dry skin or lack of circulation. Cut back on how often you take a bath or shower. Be careful to limit bathing when the weather is dry. Wash with a mild soap that contains a moisturizer. Read more

-- Dry, itchy skin can be caused by a number of factors, from health conditions to age. The American Academy of Dermatology cites these possible triggers: Getting older generally causes skin to become thinner and drier. Living in a desert-like climate can dry skin. Having a skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, can lead to dry skin. Having a job in which your hands are frequently in water can lead to dry, cracked hands. Swimming frequently in pools with high amounts of chlorine can dry skin. Read more

-- Dry, itchy skin can be annoying and even painful. Fortunately, it's mostly preventable. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests: Take lukewarm baths and showers, and don't stay too long. Carefully pat skin dry, and apply moisturizer as soon as you get out. Opt for a thick moisturizing cream or ointment instead of lotion. Choose fragrance-free products, which tend to be less drying and irritating. Run a humidifier to keep the air moist. Skip wool and rough fabrics. Instead, opt for 100 percent cotton and other "breathable" fabrics. Wash hands frequently, or use hand sanitizer. Use a thick hand cream after each washing. Read more

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 25, 2015 – Patients using prescription creams, gels, sprays and pills for skin conditions may shell out substantially more at the pharmacy than they did just six years ago, a new study suggests. Between 2009 and 2015, retail prices of brand-name dermatologic drugs rose 401 percent, on average, study authors reported Nov. 25 in JAMA Dermatology. Even generics have succumbed to price inflation, up 279 percent between 2011 and 2014, based on the drugs surveyed. Price increases for skin treatments far outpaced the general inflation rate of 11 percent during the six-year study period, the researchers said. "Cancer drugs were the worst in terms of the numbers" – up 1,240 percent or nearly $11,000 over the six-year study period – primarily because of two medicines, said Dr. Steven Rosenberg, voluntary professor of dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of ... Read more